Cape Town Opera, in conjunction with the Friends of Cape Town Opera will throw open its doors on Saturday May 16 at Artscape from 10am to 4pm so that the public can see exactly what goes on in putting on a major production like “Madama Butterfly” from costumes to set design and from lighting to music.
There will be a rolling programme of short “taster sessions” including learning how to stage fight or to sing and act, hear about stage and lighting design, meet some of CTO’s Studio members, have your photograph taken in Madama Butterfly costume, as well as an opportunity to view the Orchestral Rehearsal of Madama Butterfly and to tour Artscape’s facilities. This will be a family event with many special items included for young children. Entrance will be free although donations on a “pay-as-you-can” basis will be welcome.
Details of the planned Schedule of Events are as follows:
(a) “Sing South African Opera!” – A Musical Theatre Workshop (10:15-11:00 and 15:15-16:00) Michael Williams, CTO’s General Manager will hold an interactive musical-theatre workshop based on Who Killed Jimmy Valentine? and The Orphans of Qumbu. Participants will learn music from these works and Williams will stage five minutes from each of the productions. Age group 9 years - 99 years. What to bring - Loose clothing appropriate for movement, enthusiasm & and lots of energy.
(b) “Meet The Studio” (11:15-12:00 and 14:15 -15:00)
Come and meet the “idols” of Cape Town Opera with Ean Smit, CTO Head Coach. Are these young singers the Opera stars of tomorrow? Come and find out for yourself; you are guaranteed to be amazed and delighted with the voices of these young artists.
(c) “Madama Butterfly – The Opera and the Composer” (11:15-13:00)
An illustrated talk by Elizabeth Handley on the forthcoming CTO production of Madama Butterfly to include the background to the writing of this opera by Puccini, the plot and its main characters – and of course the music !
(d) “Stage Fighting techniques” (14:15-15:00)
Michael Williams, General Manager of Cape Town Opera, will hold an interactive stage-fighting workshop teaching basic techniques such as: “basic face slap”; “hair pull”; “basic fall”; “fist punch” and lots more! Age group 9 years to 75 years! What to bring - Loose clothing appropriate for physical activity, a sense of humour and enthusiasm! (Great activity for families with teenagers!)
(e) Dressing Up in Madama Butterfly Costumes (1015 -1600)
(14:15-15:00 Michael Williams, General Manager of Cape Town Opera, will hold an interactive stage-fighting workshop teaching basic techniques such as: “basic face slap”; “hair pull”; “basic fall”; “fist punch” and lots more! Age group 9 years to 75 years! What to bring - Loose clothing appropriate for physical activity, a sense of humour and enthusiasm! (Great activity for families with teenagers!) (e)(1015 -1600)
Under the guidance of Maritha Visagie, CTO’s Wardrobe Mistress and her team, don one of the costumes to be used in Madama Butterfly, be made up and see yourself as Cio-Cio-San, Suzuki, Lieutenant Pinkerton or Goro and have your photograph taken to record this exciting experience.
(f) Adult Choral Tuition (14:15-15:00 and 15:15-16:00)
Surprise yourself by learning to sing under the careful tuition of Albert Horne, Cape Town Opera’s Chorus Master who will explore the different aspects of training and singing in an opera chorus, including vocal warm-ups, training techniques and chorus etiquettes.
(g) Tour of Artscape Facilities (10:15-11:00, 12:15-13:00 and 14:15-15:00)
A guided tour of Artscape’s facilities by a key member of this multi-faceted complex’s team to include a visit to the backstage area and (morning tour only) an opportunity to view the Orchestral Dress Rehearsal of Madama Butterfly in the Opera House.
(h) The Elizir of Love – An Abridged Version (13:00-14:00)
Do you think Opera is stuffy and dusty??… Come and see this young and hip potted version of Gaetano Donnizetti’s opera L’Elisir d’Amore. Did the Doctor have a real love potion?.....How did Nemorino manage to hook his girl? Don’t miss this !!!
(i) Kids at the Opera – Children’s Choral Tuition (11:15-12:00 and 12:15- 13:00)
Who said Opera’s just for grown-ups ? ! Come and join the Open Day’s Children’s chorus under the direction of Jose Dias, CTO’s Repetiteur and learn some of the tunes kids sing in famous operas like Carmen, La Boheme, The Magic Flute and many more. Open to children aged 8 – 14. Parents welcome to sing along or watch their budding opera singers at work.
(j) Designing for the Opera ( 10:15-11:00 and 12:15-13:00)
A look at the process from the original concept until the curtain goes up on opening night, presented by CTO’s Resident Set Designer, Michael Mitchell, illustrated with models and original designs. A look at the process from the original concept until the curtain goes up on opening night, presented by CTO’s Resident Set Designer, Michael Mitchell, illustrated with models and original designs.
(k) The Search for Excellence (15:15-16:00)
A talk by Christine Crouse, CTO’s Artistic Director describing her mission of “Always in search of Excellence”
(l) Lighting Design (14:15-15:00)
Why should there be light in opera? What would happen if we didn’t have lighting designers ? A lecture and demonstration in the Opera House of the different techniques and effects of lighting in opera productions by CTO’s Artistic Director, Christine Crouse and Lighting Designer Kobus Rossouw.
(m) Under the Baton - Make me a Maestro (15:15 – 16:00)
Learn the secrets of conducting a full orchestra by visiting conductor Francisco Bonnin (tbc) and maybe even get a chance to practise some new found skills by conducting elements of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra.
(n) The Twenty-First Century Musketeer - a Marketeer (14:15-15:00)
Hitting the right spot! A presentation on the challenges of marketing opera as an artform and the Company, Cape Town Opera in particular, in the new South Africa by Lesley Liddle, CTO’s Marketing Manager.
A variety of activities for young people will be available in the Children’s Play Area (eg Face-painting, colouring and graffiti-competitions). Light snacks and refreshments will be available on the piazza (weather permitting) and lunch will be available in the News Cafe. Entrance is FREE although donations on a Pay-as-you-go basis will be welcome. No booking is necessary – just turn up on the day!! -- www.capetownopera.co.za
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